Public Transit

Two red and white electric trains, part of Caltrain fleet in San Francisco, California.

Caltrain Ridership Up 54 Percent Over October 2023

The system made the switch to faster, more modern all-electric trains in September.

November 21, 2024 - Mass Transit

Rendering of truck and cars driving on green electric vehicle charging roadway lane.

UCLA Will Build California’s First EV Charging Roadway

The ¾-mile segment will allow electric shuttles and buses to charge while driving.

November 21, 2024 - KTLA

Muni bus with bike on front bike rack on San Francisco street

San Francisco Transit Faces ‘Devastating’ Cuts

SF Muni is the latest transit agency to sound the alarm on its funding woes, announcing a slate of massive proposed service cuts it will have to make without new revenue sources.

November 20, 2024 - KQED

Bi-directional bike trail next to small lake in Baltimore, Maryland.

Maryland Budget Cuts Funding for Complete Streets

The future of the state’s ambitious bike, pedestrian, and transit plans could be in jeopardy, with reduced funding from both state and federal sources.

November 20, 2024 - Greater Greater Washington

Blue, white, and red Metra commuter train with Chicago buildigns in background.

Chicago Transit Faces Severe Service Cuts

Metra officials warn the agency could cut service by as much as 40 percent to make up for a massive budget shortfall.

November 19, 2024 - CBS Chicago

Close-up of screen with SEPTA public transit information.

Why Philly’s SEPTA Faces a ‘Death Spiral’

The state has not offered a sustainable source of funding to meet the transit agency’s $240 million budget gap.

November 18, 2024 - CBS News

Bird's eye view of traffic entering Lincoln Tunnel in Weehawken, New Jersey heading into Manhattan, New York City.

Congestion Pricing Lives

New York Governor Hochul revived the dormant NYC congestion plan with a $9 toll, likely securing its implementation before the incoming Trump administration.

November 15, 2024 - The Guardian

Busy subway station with people walking on platform and train stopped.

How Good Transit Benefits Communities Beyond its Users

Robust, efficient transit networks can have an outsized impact on vehicle miles traveled, even by non-transit users.

November 14, 2024 - State Smart Transportation Initiative

White BART public transit train at Coliseum station in Oakland, California.

San Francisco’s BART Awarded $545 Loan for Upgraded Rail Cars

The agency plans to modernize its fleet with more efficient rail cars equipped with new safety features.

November 13, 2024 - Golden Gate Media

Close-up of Welcome to Chicago sign with Greyhound bus company logo in downtown Chicago, Illinois bus terminal.

Chicago Bus Travelers Could Lose Downtown Terminal — and Winter is Coming

As the loss of intercity bus services and stations continues, Chicago could become the largest city in the developed world without a major downtown bus terminal.

November 13, 2024 - NPR

Front entrance of COTA Transit Terminal in Columbus, Ohio.

Central Ohio Voters Pass Transit Levy

The new sales tax will fund improved bus service, rapid transit projects, and ‘transit -supportive’ infrastructure.

November 12, 2024 - The Columbus Dispatch

Subway train pulling into elevated outdoor platform in New York City with one passenger waiting.

The News Is Not All Bad

President Trump's election might not be a disaster for local transit.

November 12, 2024 - Michael Lewyn

Overhead view of white Waymo self-driving car in San Francisco, California with shared bikes and scooters visible on adjacent sidewalk.

Robotaxis Wreak Havoc on Urban Transit

In cities across the United States, robotaxis, championed by companies like Waymo and Cruise, are a marvel of modern technology and a flashpoint for debate over their place in urban transit.

November 11, 2024 - Cities of the Future

Chicago Transit

Chicago Transit Increasing Rail Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels

The Chicago Transit Authority is close to returning both rail and bus service to pre-pandemic schedules, with some adjustments for new travel demand.

November 8, 2024 - Mass Transit

Traffic congestion on New York City street.

Trump’s Election Lends NYC Congestion Pricing Program New Urgency

New York Gov. Hochul has 75 days to reinstate the stalled program or risk losing billions in funding for the city’s aging transportation infrastructure and transit system.

November 8, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Aerial view of San Francisco Ferry Building in San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Takes Steps to Electrify Bay Ferries

In addition to electrifying the fleet, San Francisco Bay Ferry and the Port of San Francisco are building new facilities to connect more communities to the ferry system.

November 6, 2024 - San Francisco Examiner

Busy New York City subway platform with blurred people walking in and out of trains and close-up on red brick wall on right.

New York Subway Reaches One Billion Ride Milestone

The system’s 2024 performance is on track for its fastest growth since the pandemic.

November 6, 2024 - Bronx Times

Aerial view of traffic in New York City entering Queens Midtown tunnel

Report Highlights Economic Benefits of Reducing Car Dependence

Encouraging Americans to drive less — and supporting cities where it’s possible to do so — could save the country trillions more than just electrifying the transportation sector.

November 5, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

"Vote Here" sandwich board sign with American flag on sidewalk in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Public, Private Transportation Systems Offer Free Election Day Rides

From transit agencies to ride-hailing, bike share, and car rentals, transportation companies are encouraging people to vote by offering free and discounted rides to polling locations.

November 5, 2024 - TechCrunch

Amtrak Coast Starlight passenger train passing over bridge in Altamont Pass, California.

Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley

Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.

November 4, 2024 - The Modesto Bee

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.